Laminate reinforced beam with tapered polymer layer

Abstract

A laminate reinforced beam assembly includes a beam having a channel shape defined by spaced side walls. The beam has a contact location where it would be subjected to a point loaded force. A reinforcement layer is provided on each of the side walls. The reinforcement layer is made of a polymer which forms a structural foam in its cured condition and which has a shape wherein its side edges taper toward each other in a direction away from the contact location.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A drop in insert for reinforcing a beam comprising a carrier, said carrier having spaced walls with an outer surface, a connecting portion interconnecting said spaced walls, said connecting portion having an outer surface joined to said outer surfaces of said spaced walls, a polymer layer on said outer surface of said spaced walls and said connecting portion, said polymer layer being made of a material which forms a structural foam in its cured condition and becomes intimately bonded to the beam and to said outer surface, said polymer layer having side edges which taper toward each other in a direction away from said connecting portion, said insert has a rounded C-shaped cross section, and said connecting portion bisecting said carrier and merging into said spaced walls. 
     
     
       2. A drop in insert for reinforcing a beam comprising a carrier, said carrier having spaced walls with an outer surface, a connecting portion interconnecting said spaced walls, said connecting portion having an outer surface joined to said outer surfaces of said spaced walls, a polymer layer on said outer surface of said spaced walls and said connecting portion, said polymer layer being made of a material which forms a structural foam in its cured condition and becomes intimately bonded to the beam and to said outer surface, said polymer layer having side edges which taper toward each other in a direction away from said connecting portion, said insert has an angle shaped cross section, and said connecting portion bisecting said carrier and merging into said spaced walls into said spaced walls.